‘A Golden Year of Trust in the Justice System’ – Grand Closing Ceremony of the Exhibition on New Criminal Laws Held at Bharat Mandapam

New Delhi, 9 July – On the occasion of completing one year of the successful implementation of the new criminal laws, a grand closing ceremony of the exhibition held under the ‘A Golden Year of Trust in the Justice System’ programme took place today at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Minister of State for Home Affairs, Government of India, Nityanand Rai, graced the event as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Chief Minister of Delhi Rekha Gupta, Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood, Chief Secretary Dharmendra, and senior officials from the police department.

Organised by the Home Department of the Delhi Government, the aim of this exhibition was to raise public awareness about the three new criminal laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). These laws came into effect on 1 July 2024, replacing decades-old colonial laws with a time-bound and citizen-centric justice system.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, these three progressive laws have moved the country away from a punishment-centric approach toward a justice-driven legal framework. He said that through technological innovations, the new system ensures swift, fair, and transparent justice. Special timelines have been set for crimes against women and children — with provisions to frame charges within 60 days and complete hearings within 45 days in grievous cases.

Nityanand Rai emphasized that the new laws are not merely about punishment, but about delivering justice. They were crafted to instil public trust, eliminate corruption, and implement a time-bound and tech-enabled justice system. He said, “This transformation is not just a legal reform but a movement to foster societal trust and ensure safety. It has also broadened legal education and capacity across the country.”

On this occasion, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta remarked that India continued to bear the burden of colonial-era laws introduced as early as 1856 — laws built on a mindset that treated Indians as subordinates and subjects, focusing on punishment rather than justice. She noted that while governments came and went, few ever questioned the appropriateness of these laws for an independent India.

Criticising past governments, the Chief Minister said that legislative amendments were often made for political gain, to preserve power, and strengthen vote banks — not to serve the people. She further asserted that earlier frameworks were punishment-driven, not justice-oriented. Praising the new legal reforms introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, she said these changes were aimed at dismantling colonial legacies and establishing a fair, citizen-focused legal system.

Calling India’s new criminal justice framework transformative, the Chief Minister highlighted the extensive preparation involved — years of research, consultation with experts, and dedicated effort — under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. She stated that these laws were designed to instil trust in the justice system among India’s 1.4 billion citizens and have been rapidly implemented across the country.

Rekha Gupta concluded by expressing her gratitude to Nityanand Rai and hailed him as a “guide and partner” for Delhi. She also extended her thanks to the entire team involved in making the exhibition a grand success.